Love Unites

The following videos have been great discussion “launch pads” in the high-school theology classroom. The first is given by a young man who pits Jesus and religion against each other…

Classes really resonate with this video. It gives them “justification” in fighting the “oppressive” institution. The young man in the video does appear to be a sincere believer in Jesus but there is a danger when one separates Jesus from His Church. Hypocrisy is fault of sinners not religion. The ancient meaning of religion is that which binds all areas of life together. Religion is the fruit of love and love unites. The popular saying “I’m not a religious person but I am spiritual” conveys that same tendency to separate the visible from the invisible. The ultimate example we have to follow in this situation is Jesus Himself. Jesus, the invisible Second Person of Trinity, assumed a visible human nature. The visible and invisible are now united in Christ! With this example, we should never separate Jesus from His body, the Church. Religion and spirituality should never be separated either. I did find another video that conveyed this counter message to the first video…

279 Comments

Nathan Antwan :)
on October 24, 2013 at 3:20 pm

I think that Jefferson Bekthe did make some relevant points about religion and how it is corrupt, but he is going too far to say that he has no place in his heart for it. Jesus and religion are intertwined, as pointed out by Father Claude. Jefferson’s argument that religion and Jesus have opposite effects on a person is void, because Jesus was really the first domino – the original movement – of Christianity.

Yes, I agree with all of you. In the first video he made a lot of very good points about how what the Bible says vs what Jesus said. I think he made a valid point towards what Jesus intended vs what the Bible intended.

We also have to remember though Mike T is that we cant always interpret the Bible remember the stool we need sacred scripture and tradition and the magisterium and that we need more than the bible

Evan Oesterle
on October 24, 2013 at 4:07 pm

I agree with Nathan because Jesus and religion are intertwined. But also, we have to search for God and want him. Jefferson did point that out. Like I said before, we have to spread the word of God and continue the domino effect of Jesus that you mentioned.

I don’t really agree with Antwan. I think that religion is corrupt. I believe that they don’t practice what they preach, and just ridicule those that do. I believe Jesus did want to do what is right and show us what the church was doing wrong. If he were to come now and preach to us, I think he would be extremely mad with the church for not honoring the things they ridicule people for. The Pope pretty much sits in a palace while so many people are starving, why not sell that palace, and donate it to people who need it?

I agree with Riley that quite a few people do not practice what they preach. However I do not agree with when he said the pope just sits in a palace all day. Pope Francis lives in a little apartment. He is the father of the Catholic Church. The pope says mass. Jesus himself created the position of the pope when he gave that title to Peter during the primacy of Peter. “Peter you are the rock and upon this rock i will build my church.”

I agree completely with Natwan. I agreed with parts of both videos. The guy in the first one gave better points in my opinion and the guy in the second video was not as persuasive, although I agree with some things he said.

I agree 100% with Nathan. The passage at the end of the second video goes to show that Jesus was the beginning o the church and that they are both very much connected. The death of Jesus was not the end of Christianity, but a passing of the torch for generations to come.

I agree with the statement that Jesus and religion are intertwined. I think that it is false that Jesus and religion have different effects on each other because they are one in the same so that would not be a plausible statement to make.

I strongly agree with Antwan. His points about how religion and Jesus have opposite effects is incorrect , and his point on Jesus being the first domino. But Jefferson said you shouldn’t just know a person is Christian by their Facebook status was a good point also. He’s right. We as Christian believer show just talk the talk, but also walk the walk and show we are Christians as well through our actions.

don’t understand how you can hate religion but love Jesus. Jesus is religion. if you cant follow the religion “book” (bible), then how can you know Jesus because the bible is pretty much a tribute of Jesus Christ

I like how father claude said when jesus said it’s finished that his religion ha just begun. I didn’t like a lot of the main points made in the 1st video, but i liked a lot more in the 2nd. I agree with nathan how religion is corrupt.

I agree with the second video because we can’t just live off of what Jesus did, we have to carry on what he does daily. We have to further extend our RELIGION to others because that is our duty. It was never finished, all Jesus was doing was handing down the torch.

I agree with Ross. My first comment was just stating initial thoughts but Ross is right that we have to spread our religion. Religion doesnt stop with Jesus, it starts with Him. Like Jesus said to Peter, “on this rock, I will build my Church”. Jesus’s Church is still growing today and it is our job to expand it.

I like some of the point in the 1st video but I agree with the second video because we need to extend our religion. And it was never finished we still need to fulfill our mission of living a life like jesus wants us to.

I agree with Trevor when he says he likes the first video. Both videos are very persuasive, but what really got me was in the first video when he sayed “religion is a man- made thing” and I agreed with that.

I agree with Ross because, as he said, we must carry on Jesus’s mission. We saw a Bible passage of Jesus building His Church on Peter. This Church extends to us and like the Apostles, we must spread the Good News.

I think the statement It is finished was Jesus referring to the fact that the work God sent him to do in his human life was completed. That he taught those who would continue his word and that even though his human life was finished, his teachings and message would continue to be spread.

i agree with you that his mission isnt finished and that it was just the beginning of something great. The priest made valid points connecting the death and resurrection to carry on in our lives today.

I like some of the points in the fist video butt I agree with the second video because we have to expand our religion to others not just ourselves and we need to keep everything going because it’s not finished until we fufil our mission of being the way jesus wants us to be

I agree with Ross because i think he made a good point about extending our religion to more than going to church. i believe that we are called to live a holy life and we have to use religion to find jesus.

I find these two videos very interesting. Watching the frst one, I actually could relate to some of what he was saying. Then watching the second one, the priest actually rebuked the first video perfectly and gave good examples to justify his thoughts. Sometimes I think that every one has their own religion because they choose what to believe and how to believe it or how to live it out.

I could also relate to the first video. I agree with a lot of things both videos said and I could see the counterpoints like you did Charles. Both made relevant points but we need to love God and search for him and carry on the mission of Christ in spreading the word of God.

I completely agree with you Chuck. I think that the guy in the second video stood his position with fantastic points on why the guy in the first video was not exactly right. Everyone does have different opinions, but I think you and I are right on this one.

I really liked how the videos shared 2 contrasting viewpoints. i noticed that the 1st one seemed more geared to the younger generation who are still finding their paths and the 2nd was for those who had figured themselves out already. overall, both videos were very interesting and meaningful to me.

I agree with what Evan said and I also believe that the reasons to why he agreed with the first video are very similar to mine. I believe that he is just reminding us that we are not perfect and Christ is.

I think you agree with both in ways yet you agree with Father Claude more. First of all, you are a religion teacher so it wouldnt make sense if you hated religion. Second, Father Claude makes points about how the Church is growing with us and just started with Jesus. I assume you agree with that because religion builds off of Jesus. Plus, if the Chruch was finished when Christ died than there would be no need for reforms such as the Vatican.

I was thinking the same thing. The fact is you are here to teach us about religion and the word of God. I don’t think the first video would go along with the teachings of a Catholic School. What the first video did however was make us think, “hey, I never thought of that before.” And clearly his rap style of delivery would draw us in to his words, which were thought provoking.

I think you would agree more on the second video because although Jesus shows great compassion, and love for us, you can’t just believe in him, you have to believe in everything involved around the religion just not one figure.

I have to agree with Jake on this one because Jesus did help out people, but he also did some stuff that we don’t know about, and we should do that because we can’t just believe, we have to know what we are believing in and we have to understand.

We all need to talk about this in class tomorrow, I think it’d be a great topic. I think you’d agree with the second video more, but that is my opinion. …opinion….crap. Anyway i thought both had great points and we could go either way.

I think you agree with the second one because I think you believe people need a way to participate in Jesus’ mission. I think you would believe that good religion is doing what Jesus wants like helping other people.

I feel that you would agree with the first video becasue some of the points that were mentioned in it, were simillar to the ones mentioned in class, how we sin in the face of God everyday, but since we are christians it does not matter. Us christians need to stop being this pretty little church boy one day, and then some party animal the next, we need to live lie in the light of christ everyday

I understand what Jefferson is saying and that he loves God but some of his opinions are atheistic. I believe he had a couple of valid points but i strongly disagree with many points that were made. The majority of the first video was flawed, he explains Christians who do the bad things and neglects all the good done by the Church. I believe you would agree more with the second video because it represents Christianity a lot better. In opposition to what Jefferson says in the first video about neglecting the poor, sinners, and those that are divorced, the priest explains that the Church is the largest worldwide source of relief that welcomes anybody, sinner or non sinner, and brings them together as a community.

i think that you agree with the first video because i believe that you are always wanting us to search for christ and be close to him without just looking at the big picture of religion and just pretending to live a holy life.

I really enjoyed the first video. People seem to chain Jesus and religion into one thing, while they are completely different. I agree with Jefferson, but also feel that if Jesus created the Church, then it must be good. As is all of His creation

I can see where Pistol Pete is coming from, but I see the Church as the creation of Christ. The Church is Jesus’s act of leaving us a record of His work. We use the Church and our religion to learn and share what Jesus did and how we are responsible to continue it.

I agree that Jesus started the Church and that it is good. I also say that the Church and Jesus should not be separated. However, the church is run by fallible human beings. People have free will and can choose what to do themselves. I think that some people had to have made mistakes, and when things are fixed, the Church will be great.

I agree with Ben. He is right on when he said that the Church is run by fallible human beings. All humans make mistakes, that need to be corrected, and once these errors are corrected within the Church, I feel that the Church will be very good.

I agree that Jesus started the Church and that it is good. I also say that the Church and Jesus should not be separated. However, the church is run by fallible human beings. People have free will and can choose what to do themselves. I think that some people had to have made mistakes and been corrupt, and when these things are fixed, the Church will be great.

I agree that people automatically chain Jesus and religion together. Why can’t people just follow Jesus in their own unique way? I think it would be a more personable experience if people found Jesus on their own path rather than reciting prayers they learned that may have no meaning to them.

Well, that’s not exactly true. I think one could define Religion loosely as a man-made explanation of (supernatural) events and people, using a Supreme Being (God), to explain that which can not otherwise be explained. Catholics’ Revelation in Jesus is an act of God, not of man. God does not need a human institution to show His will, his Institution is made to surpass that which is made by Man, right? Jeremiah stated that “the Covenant will be written in their hearts.” Therefore spreading the Gospel doesn’t have to be linked to a set of rules or bindings which some (like in the first video) would call religion. People can spread their faith from their hearts. The Church is established to be a guide for the lost.

Pranav, you’re good at debating,
But where would we be if the disciples hadn’t started the church, and we only trusted what is in our hearts. Some people don’t have the heart that you do, and vice versa. Religion helps guide us, not by force, but choice, to do what is morally right. Yes there are guidelines and rules, but these are put in place to help guide our hearts to God.
Your thoughts?

Peter is right about the first video. We shouldn’t get the two mixed up. But, they should be intertwined because our religion revolves around Jesus, right? What would happen to it if Jesus was taken out of the equation? Christianity wouldn’t really be Christianity. I agree with you but I also think that we need to put the two together.

The first video made some very good points about religion. We should be searching for God, not having God search for us. We need to want good and love Jesus. The second video makes great points about how we need to continue to spread the word of God. God sent his Word through Jesus. Jesus gave it to the Apostles and the Apostles to the church. We are the church, so we need to spread the word because that it was God calls us to do.

I agree with Evan. God gave us the job of continuing His ministry on Earth while he was gone. God loves us all and wants us to be with Him in heaven. God wants everyone to receive His Saving Grace and love Him as He loves us

Mr. Oesterle makes an important observation on how we need to live in the name of the church, for we are apostles of God and we shouldn’t be sitting around waiting, we need to get up, find God, and spread the word.

I found many significant points in both videos, but the video that i found more “easy” to follow was the second one. The reason being is because the priest pretty much made a summery of what the other guy in the first video, which is why the first video is 4:05 and the second one is shorter with a time of 2:55. Time set aside, i believe that the second video has more of an idea that we can’t live like the event that Jesus did for us not matter but what does matter is how you act upon it. Which is What i saw Beauregard said “Sometimes I think that every one has their own religion because they choose what to believe and how to believe it or how to live it out.” which is probably the most intelligent way of putting words to reality. I also agree with Ross…”We have to further extend our RELIGION to others because that is our duty.” Which is very important because like the prophets we have to spread the word of God.

I think we can take things away from both videos. The first gives us a great wake up call that Jesus Christ, Son of God, is the reason we live and breathe. We are called to live like Him and act like Him. However, the second shows us how by His death, He began a ministry for us to learn from and live with. We use the Church as a bridge to help us understand Jesus’s life in modern terms. We use the Church to carry on Jesus’s mission.

That’s actually perfectly said Hugh. The Church is what we turn to when we have questions. It is what helps us answer our hardest life questions. So I believe that the Church is an essential part in Christianity. Also the teen looks a little like Drake

These two videos had me thinking a lot about this topic. In the first video, I didn’t agree on how Jesus was “finished” when he died and rose from the dead. The second video clearly shows that Jesus told Peter to be the foundation of his church or religion. One thing I do agree on in the first video, is that religion has caused so much destruction and death. People are constantly fighting and killing each other over religion and it looks like it will never end. I’m talking about Islam and middle eastern religions rather than Christianity. I’m just confused on how religion ‘s purpose is to lead people to live good lives but it’s causing thousands of deaths every year.

I think the priest is right about how Jesus and Religion are so intertwined because Jesus did start a new religion, Christianity. Like it said at the end of the priest’s video about how Jesus told Peter he would build his church upon this rock (Peter). Jesus intended perfectly to build a new religion after what he did on earth. An educated priest knowns what he is talking about more than a young adult i think.

You can come away with valid points from each videos. Father Claude ended with saying Jesus’s death on the Cross was really just the beginning of a worldwide religion. And the first video is saying all these things Christianity consider us as and how its just a behavioral thing, and doesn’t truly effect the way you live.

I agree and disagree. The definition of religion is “the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, esp. a personal God or gods”. I don’t think christianity is a belief. It is not a belief. God made us. God made earth. God made the universe. God is everything.
But, in the bible it seems as the church and religion was all part of the plan. So I agree with both of them.

The first video didn’t make sense to me. If you love Jesus, you would believe in religion because that is our main reason for living. Jesus put us on this earth to spread the word of his religion, therefore not believing in religion is not believing in God. The second video displayed how love for religion as well as love for Jesus corresponds with one another.

The first video is stressing the fact that people like you and me say how much we love christ and how God is great, but then the day before we are making that “second look” or we are turnt upward. We need to stop being a Christian on the outside, but the inside too. I do agee with you on the second video, the father did a very good job comparing the two subjects.

I loved the way these two kind of chirped at each other. It was pretty amazing how they made it sort of a rap battle. The way they rhymed kept it interesting and cool. The teen had some vaild points about how the Church is corrupt and how it is messed up. But the Father shoots down the teens points and reinforces himslef with Scrpiture. In my opioion the Father won the battle. But all in all they were very good videos and got me to think of the connection between Jesus and Religion

I agree with Cello that the way these videos were presented made it much more interesting. They got me thinking hard about this topic also. I think we can take something away from both videos, and neither person was an obvious winner.

Marcello is spot on in my opinion, I love how he notices the strong raps that went along with the two opinions. He also mentions how he believed the father wins the so called “battle” which I also agree with.

i agree with you marcello. i think that they choose a very interesting way to get across a very serious topic. you are also right about how both sides have different views and they are kind of going against eachother.

The father totally won thank you for seeing this. This was very well said both sides are right and both can be argued wrong. It almost takes away the seriousness with the rhyming and all but when both sides are right and wrong is what makes a debate so good and where a whole grade is able to argue about it

I like the second video better than the first. The teenager in the first video made some very interesting points that I think we all think about. Like why does church build such huge churches? Though I believe that the priest did a very good job denying the teenager’s thoughts. I also like how priest used the same exact time of video and said it in a rhyme like the teenager. I agree with the priest that Jesus and Religion go hand in hand.

I Feel that the second video was more on point do to the topics that he was explaining about his own life. When he told us that he was living a lie when he went to church but didnt believe what he was preaching. This reminded me of when we talked about empty sacrifice (when people did things because the church leaders told them to not because they themselves believed in it).

Mr. Bekthe is trying to say how religion is flawed because it is man made but that is completely false because God handed down his word, the sacred scripture, to us through people that were inspired by the holy spirit. God used humans as instruments to aid in the creation of religion. When music is created do the instruments make it or does the artist? Also, in the second video Father Claude shows how Jesus made sure that the Church had a solid foundation to carry on Christianity to the following generations. So I believe Mr. Bekthe is confused because if he truly is a follower of Jesus he wouldn’t hate and reject the institution that Jesus tried so hard to solidify so that his word could be spread. Jesus and Religion (Christianity) are intertwined and it is not possible to hate one and love the other.

I think you would agree more on the second one because when the Father said that there is no church without Christ, you have been talking about that in class sometimes. And when he brought up the poor and how the church helps, well we all go to a Catholic High School and we are all supposed to help out the poor, and that is also what the church does. So I have to think you would agree with the second video.

Stuart bring up a great point that “there is no church without christ” we should not break these two up but live in union with both to bring us closer to God. Without Jesus in the church what do we have ? that really hits home for me

I think it is great how the two videos really go together. They both love Jesus, but the contrasting point is obviously on the religious institution of the Church. I agree with the first video in the points of what is wrong with the church, and also the good of Jesus. In the second video, the priest talks about what is good with the church. It makes a huge difference when you hear two sides of the story. I see truth in both stories. Ultimately, I agree the most with the first guy, because I think that the Church is not perfect, and there are things that should be fixed.

These two videos made what would otherwise be a boring topic for me interesting.
Bethke actually did make some valid points. Religion is flawed, just like everything else in this world. I know that this may be an unpopular opinion, but I do not think that formal organized religion is absoutely essential to being a follower of Christ. There are many people that just “go through the motions” at Mass and still do not act on Christian beliefs. Why is it nesecarry for me to affiliate myself with an official religion? I believe in God, and I can grow in my relationship with Him however I choose too. Just because you are a Christian doesn’t mean you are a follower and just because you are a follower doesn’t mean you are a Christian. I feel that I will grow in faith better if I take my own path with God rather than having to affiliate myself with a formal religion. However, Jesus does not hate religion.

To start off, I think the videos are both easy to relate to. Everyday we see these things happen in our community. I liked the first video more because I feel a lot of us can understand more from it than the second one. Both videos make really good points in what they’re saying to us. I think it’s all about how you view things, not everyone will agree on the same thing, but I liked how these videos were connected and helped each other make sense. Overall, I agree more with the the first video because nothing is perfect and everyone and everything can change.

the first video has a lot of good points, but then again when you look at the facts its way off. there are so many verses that can deny all of the statements that the firs video made. then again there are so many religions and not just Christianity. so why is this the focus of both videos if they are talking about religion?

I think these videos are very strong. Both videos were striking and I really liked how it rhymed. The first video was more agreeable, but the second video made more sense to me. I favor the second video because I do love religion and Jesus.

I felt very connected to the first video. I agree that there are religious leaders, regardless of which faith, who are corrupt, using the name of God for their own reasons. This was especially evident in the 16th and 17th century, when Crusades and various wars were fought, and people massacred because kings wanted “religious unity”, when in fact they were worried about their own authority.

Even though I agree with the speaker in the first that no religion is flawless, I also agree with the second speaker that religion is necessary. While it has caused many grief and strife, people must remember that it is the PEOPLE misusing the name of God that leads to the atrocity, not vice versa. As it stands, religion in general is most likely the number one source of happiness, unity, and peace. Not just within a single faith, but all believers in general find God in one another, and it gives a feeling of security that nothing else really can.

i think that some of their points are true. They were both really strong and both had meaning to them with what they were stressing to get out have the people the know of what they think. But the second video was the better one cause i both love religion and believe in it and jesus is #1.

Both of these videos have a very strong topic and our backed up very well. I agree with the first video more than the second. What is the point of filling up the pews every Sunday if nobody goes and lives the way they were taught to that Sunday. Its like going to school one day and forgetting everything you learned the day before.

I totally relate to what Big Head is saying here. Why should people go to Church just for the sake of saying that they went to Church? I believe that whenever anyone does something, they should do it with a purpose, and they should follow what their plan was going into it. If you are going to commit to something, you should honor it and dedicate all of yourself into doing the best you can do at it.

The point of filling up the pews on Sunday is to live the way that we are taught to by Jesus. The guy in the first video is trying to rule out the third commandment, Keep thy Sabbath day holy. Jesus gives us the mass. It is OUR job whether or not to LIVE it outside of church. If you are drinking like nuts on Saturday night, then you obviously did not live the mass in your daily life. There are other people I know that go to mass and leave without living the word. I do it too sometimes. “Other people don’t live like Jesus would want us to in our daily lives so why should I?” It starts with YOU. Am I going to live like Jesus, or am I gonna complain that the guy next to me that isn’t. Because if YOU do he will follow.

I agree with what you have to say Nelson but what you are talking about is our choice to turn to God. Every second of everyday we have the choice to either turn to God or to turn away from God. It is a constant struggle that we get to do over many times.

I disagree with you CJ. Its not against the law to party on Saturdays. So what if we go to church on Sunday. Its better than not going to Church.If you do happen to get wasted it is good to repent and pray to God and ask for forgiveness. We are not perfect and God understands that.

The best part about these videos was that they made you think. They really pulled out the best of me and it was like a challenge to figure out where on this specrtum i fall and what i truly believe in. I believe in everything the second guy said but i also think the first guy made some valid points. The first man was much younger and seemed more in tune with the present world and that is why i made connections to him. The second man was a priest so everything he said, true catholics would believe. I think both men made valid points that you cant just talk the talk but walk the walk.

I totally agree with Kaptin Kauf here,
While watching the first and second videos I got a couple strange feelings. A kind of darker one when the young man said he hated religion, because we aren’t called to hate anything. And when the second video finished, I got a strong feeling that that was what was right.

I agree with you Karl, these videos made me really think. In my opinion the first video did make some valid points. But some points he made I strongly disagree with. The priest’s points were all valid and I agree strongly that we do need the church and that Jesus does love the religion.

I thought that both of the videos had a similar message. They both had great lessons within them. The first video was more appealing and in a sense, more fun to watch, but the second video was more to the point and displayed its message better than the first video.

I think that I agreed with the first message. While religion is a good thing, almost every war that has ever been fought has been caused due to religion. I think that Jesus intended for religion to bring us together, not tear us apart.

I loved the way the priest came back at the guy from the first video by respectful but true comments. Jesus came to unify us as a Church, and we need our religious leaders to guide us. if not, we’d be a billion different religions with our own OPINIONS on what we thought Jesus would want.

You bring up a good point. We are constantly drowning in the world of opinion and sometimes we need to take a time out to realize that truth still matters. The Church helps us find this truth but the speaker in the first video makes some solid arguments.

I really enjoyed both of the videos messages. In my opinion though the first video was much more relatable to my life with Jesus. The second video brought clearer details and facts that the first video lacked.

I completely agree with the Tree here. The first video really related to my life today and made me open my eyes. The first video was catchy and relatable while the second drilled home the main points and filled in the gaps in the first video

Hey I don’t know who you are but I’m gonna comment anyways “Jack.” Well, I agree when you say that the second video provided more facts. Although, you should try to bring your life into the second video’s perspective in my opinion because the first one sounded a little bit atheistic. Keep doing a good job in school “Jack.” Looking forward to meeting you #treehouse

Although both videos make a lot of sense they are the opposite of each other. I think i am more on the side of the guy who made the first video, he said that jesus and the church were not together and that we are all hypocritical when it comes to our faith. Instead of having a relationship with God we go to church and tell people we are Christians without acting on it. Kind of like Going to Church one day and sinning the next.

what i took from the first video was that the man really decided to het across what he really thought about both religion and jesus. even though what he said was completely different than many beliefs, he still choose to get across what he thought. The video really made me rethink the way i look at both religion and jesus. i think that it is great he made a video spreading his views.

I believe that the second video is more accurate than the first because he was right when he said that Jesus gave all people a mission before he left this world and this mission had to be passed down through generations. This couldn’t be done without religion. Also Jesus said to one of his apostles that on this rock I build my church and by his church he meant Christianity which is of course a religion

I agree with you Ryan, but I think most of us as teenage boys, can relate to the first video, even if we want to relate to the second one. Perhaps in the future we will be more like the man in the second video, but we have a long journey ahead of us.

what i personally took from the first video was that the man really decided to het across what he really thought about both religion and jesus. even though what he said was completely different than many beliefs, he still choose to get across what he thought. The video really made me rethink the way i look at both religion and jesus. i think that it is great he made a video spreading his views.

I agree with Nate because I believe that he expressed an opinion that may seem different from what we believe but it actually is the same. He intended (he being the author) what we believe and live everyday.

I think these two videos disagree with each other but they are both against war, evil, and sin. The first video talks about God giving us his son Jesus, but I think the second video shows how Jesus gave us religion in some ways. I think not all religion is against Jesus but some people do bad things in the name of religion as a excuse.

He makes some great points and he could easily persuade someone to quickly change their mind about their faith. But not all he says is true. Like he says in the video “You dress it up on the outside to make it look nice.” He makes it sound like everything he is saying is legit, but he exaggerates many things and most of the things he says is opinion. What he says makes sense and he is brave for putting this video out for the world, but people who have very strong faith will argue against this video. The question is, is it wrong to love Jesus but hate religion?

This poem brings up some great points regarding the relationship between Christ and the Church. My favorite part was when the speaker said that Jesus is the work of God, but the Church is the work of man. He is not rejecting the church, but simply saying that at times the Church can be corrupt. I’m not sure I agree with this because we learned that the Church came directly from God, to Jesus, to the Apostles, to us. However, the Church has gone astray in the past.

Both videos had some very good points, and both disputed each other very well. But I believe that the second video is right because Jesus did start the religion and spread its word, but he is relying on us to keep it alive and spread its good word.

I am really not sure what side of the discussion “right” but I am leaning toward the idea of the teen in the first video. Jesus would not like a hypocritical Christian coming into his church. Saying and showing up is not doing. It is also somewhat true about wars, there should be no arguing about who has the better religion. However, I believe Jesus does have some belief in a religion.

I disagree with the first part of your comment. Jesus accepts everyone in his Church. We go to Church to receive Christ, and get something out of it. We all are tempted and make mistakes but in my opinion God looks for us to try our best. No one is perfect and Church helps us get closer to Christ. If you are that “hypocritical” person then going to mass and bonding with Christ can change you to not be.

I agree with what you have to say Max, but I don’t think that its acceptable to go to church just to say you showed up and was at church. I think if you go to church it should be for the right reasons.

I see where the man in the first video is coming from but marcello is correct in saying he needs more direction. The reason people act the way they do even though they are Christian is a sign that not many of then know what being a real Christian is. Maybe the problem is not the religion but the way they were educated about Christianity. When he mentions a long list of chores that’s a little insulting. That long list of chores shows the power of God in that we can’t know everything God does. Mystery is a part of Christianity.

I think both of these videos are very interesting. Most people would immediately agree with the second video because it is talking about how someone loves faith which is what Jesus wants us to do, but the first video made many good points about Christ and how he wants us to interpret religion. I really enjoyed both videos and how they contradicted each other so well. This is a very interesting topic and I believe it would be a great class discussion topic.

I honestly dislike most of what the first video states. The whole thing when Jesus said “it is finished” is totally misinterpreted wrong in the first video. I believe it is misinterpreted wrongly because he took OUT the church. Just like the deposit of faith. You can’t have one part without the other. You can’t have Jesus and not the church vice versa. Jesus created the church. HE appointed the pope. The church is a community with the whole world. A lot of us wouldn’t know about Jesus if his message wasn’t spread throughout the CHURCH.

Valid points Mr. Fisher, but he the man in the first video is saying that people like you and me don’t take christianity like we should. We think just because we are christian and we believe in Jesus, we’re off the hook. We need to realise that we can’t be like the rotting mummy on the inside and the beaustiful casket on the outside.

I agree with you Fischer. What the first video states I believe is very irrelevant. It had a few good points but I disagree with most of it. Jesus said “it is finished” it is misinterpreted in the first video.

I think Jefferson’s statements were true for his own life and experiences with religion but we only know what Jesus said and what Jesus said was; He said go baptize, forgive sins, take bread and water and change it to My Body and Blood and go build My Church. Father Claude discussed some of these same things and making his point in the importance of religion. He explained Jesus’ intensions. That there would be a Catholic Church handed down to Peter.

The second video was much better than the first ( not entertainment- wise because I loved them both) because it reall explained what our religion is about. The first guys is younger and less experienced than the priest obviously and needs to search just a little bit harder to find the answers to his concerns. This can be achieved through prayer. They both brought up valid points and I admire them bothe for their amazing work.

I disagree, the first video gave a general view point, including the church as part of the problem. It showed the church as not being as perfect as some believe it is. The second on sort of defends the church, giving it a narrow view point.

The man in the first video is right, religion is corrupt. People like you and me go through everyday as christian, but we don’t act like one. We “spit in the face of God” everyday and we know it too sometimes, whether its that “second look” or filling up your cup with sprite when you asked for water. We think just becasue we are christians we can do a quick prayer and all of our sins are relieved. Like he said in the video, on Saturday your drunk or faded and then the next day your at church. People need to stop dressing up as Christians on the outside, but become christias on the inside too.

I sure hope that isn’t you who gets “faded.” I agree with you and this was a good post. I agree completely with this when you say “we need to become christians on the inside too.” The second video provided better and more information while the first one he gave his opinion I thought. #HeyMr.Sanders

I disagreed with the first video about how religion is not tied into with Jesus, and I agreed with the second video about how Jesus and religion are one and the same. The second video, in my opinion, is the right or correct way of describing religion and our faith in Jesus Christ.

I think the first video was a very good. I think alot of kids can relate to what he is saying. You cant just say you’re catholic and then sin and “get faded” and “have sex” the saturday before you go to church. The teenage typically stereotype is drinking and partying. It dosent even sound bad anymore because society and media displays teens that way and people are used to it. But you really have to think that every time you sin you are breaking Gods law. The video explains how most people just take sins for granted and most people think “im a christian, im going to heaven anyway”. But you have to remember that God isnt just testing how “good” we are. He is trying to make a loving society and he is trying to make everyone happy. God is on our side. He is not trying to limit us with rules. He is trying to help us. This video also explains how todays society is so messed up. This world is all about status, money, and popularity but people need to notice that this isnt what life is about. God Isnt “testing” us with rules. Hes trying to make us happy and he is trying to help us. Sometimes you wanna sin so bad but you have to tell yourself that you will be happier with God. “Church isnt a museum for the good, its a hospital for the broken”. Most people were against Christ. Even when he heard he was going get killed and suffer he didnt stop preaching. Thats our example. People need to break away from society and go against it. People need to spread christ and let nothing stop us. Just like Jesus did.

Jack makes an excellent point and he really couldnt of sad iy any better our society has just come to kids partying and h=getting drunk and partying and just because your christian doesnt mean that we can sin without disregard.

(part 2 of my first comment) I disagree with the second video. I dont think Jesus should be categorized in a “religion”. God isnt a belief…God is everything. God is the reason we are here. God made the world. EVERYTHING IS GOD.

I liked the first video better because it gave the whole story, it included the church as a problem as part of our faith. It also related to the “fake” religion that some of us live in. The second video was ok, it concluded that the people are part of the problem with faith. It hinted that the church was made to fix the problems and that it couldn’t be the source (because of what I just stated).

I really liked some of his points especially when he said that he put on a mask on himself and said he was a good man on sunday and a conpletley diffrent person satarday and in some cases i think a lot of people do this. After i watched the video i took that i need to be the same person on sunday morning as satarday night.

I agree with woody on this one. It is very true that loving God and living out our faith is not just a sometimes thing. It is an all the time thing. We should not love God just to say we do, we need to love God because it is the right thing to do. we need to treat our neighbors how we would like to be treated.

I think that both videos sent out a strong message, but the first one made better points in my opinion. He is saying that he believes that all that God did was good and he isn’t against it, but he also says how the church can take Gods good into something else. I found it really interesting the way he said it. He was saying how the church is almost nothing compared to the way that it is portrayed. This can be true in some aspects and I liked how he was able to say it.

I sort of disagree with you, Sam. Yes some churches do do that, but not all do. And the church wasn’t made to do that either. The church is portrayed as the house of God and Jesus saw it the same way. Luke 2:49 States “He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

Wow what jolly good rhymes those were. I thought that the second video had better points and could relate to what the Church stand for better. The first guy (younger one) seemed to be a little bit atheistic and seemed to be corrupt. I agree though at the fact that people should just stop going through the routines to be a Christian and actually start acting like one. For example, when we pray we need to actually think about God when we do it and not just go through the motions. I rest my case boys. #swagoo #sprite

I also agree with Reyn on this one. You must go through the motions and not just be hypocritical. You must practice what you preach and I believe that’s what both guys were trying to get at in the videos.

I agree with Jefferson on a few points in the first video. The main point I agree with is that our faith is judged differently than usually thought of. What I mean is that just because you show up to church, does not make you a good faith man. If your a good faith man, your live a faithful life in everything you do. Though I do agree that Jesus and religion are intertwined. This is stated in the second video.

I agree with both of them in a way. In the first video he talked about being hypocritical. I really liked the point on where he said you have to be holy and live in God’s ways 24/7 not just on Sunday. I disagreed with his point on saying Jesus doesn’t like religion. You can’t really say that when He is responsible for the largest religion in the world. That point was really the only thing I agreed on in the second video but all in all they were great both great videos.

I can’t say I agree with either video. The main point of the first video was to explain to us how Jesus and religion are two different things. In the second video it tells us how Jesus and religion go hand in hand. I believe that your faith does not need a label and people should not boast about their faith just to seem like a nice person on the outside. If you are a quiet person but are kind to everyone and always do things right God will reward you in the end.

WOW! I felt both sides had some eye opening things to say, For awhile i felt what Jefferson was saying, and it was cool to hear about someone who felt the same way, but what Father Claude said opened my eyes too. Yes Jesus came and spread his message and we’ve learned in history that man corrupted some parts of his church that he established on peter, but still people are still moved by the faith and still spreads the bases of Jesus message. I feel Jefferson was right about addressing some of the issues like the wealth of the church but i think the Heart of the churches messages is very close to what Jesus intended.

I agree with the first video because I believe that sometimes we get so caught up with religion we forget get about helping those in need. We don’t ever take the religion outside of the church. No one else can hear the good news.

Justice i disagree you were baptized weren’t you? Into the Church? thats a sign of religion and God wanted churches and the Catholic faith because its a missing piece needed to be filled in with our faith.

WOW! I agree with Father Claude. I believe that you need Religion. Although the first video had some good points, I believe that Father Claude’s points made more sense. There is a lot more about Catholicism, but Catholics believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God. Catholicism is a religion, which is why we need it. We have the Gospel which is the Good News and it tells us about the events of Jesus’ life. That is why I agree with Father Claude.

I cant agree with everything that either video says, I do believe that in the first video, religion has started wars, only because of what others think. In the second it is very true that Jesus is the foundation for our religion and it would be nothing with out him. I agree with some points in in each video but not everything that one video says.

I really liked this video. I especially appreciated the line where he said something like “religion is just rules, and Jesus is freedom” or something because I can somewhat agree. Jesus gives comfort to people and does not condemn the people who don’t do everything perfectly.

This Video makes some great points on how some people in the church are hypocrites, but I also feel that through religion, man was able to preserve the teachings of Jesus. I do believe that some of the things the church does are a little hypocritical, but you can’t hate the church because they have helped preserve, and guide our faith.

there are really good points in both videos. it is hard to say who I side with. in the first video, he made a good point of how just because we go to church on Sunday does not make us holy, and the day before you were faded and getting wasted. You can’t just go through the motions of being a Christian. in the second video, he makes a good point of how Jesus came to fulfill not to destroy.

Yes, that was a good point the first video made. That’s why I personally recognize that I do not feel that I am Catholic at all, so I do not lie to myself and/or others by pretending to be Catholic by going to church and whatnot, being honest with myself in that I have no strong religious opinions. Additionally, it’s not like I can just flip a switch and go “Yeah, I believe in Christ 100%!!” and be Catholic just like that – that would be lying to myself.

I understand where in the first video he says that religion has started many wars, but the other part to that is that Religion has done some amazing things as well. You could have a long debate on any of these topics being spoken of, but the truth is that Jesus is a part of a “foundation” for this. God had his plan for man kind, which was Jesus. If there was no Jesus yet, we wouldn’t be where we are today with God.

I agree with the guy in the first video because he says things that are true. We know we aren’t perfect, we know we commit sin daily and we know that we could improve are right from wrong decisions. Most importantly he tells us that the way to getting better is through Jesus because he set the example for us to follow in regards to the decisions we make and the way we behave ourselves.

Jefferson Bekthe stated his opinion that Jesus is greater then religion and that the church is corrupt. To a point he may be right. When God sent his son to earth, Jesus was disappointed in the church. The church didn’t believe in his teachings and he was treated as an outcast. In todays world people call themselves Christian, yet many go through the motions every Sunday at mass. It his opinion he may have gone to far in saying that there is no point in religion. Religion gives people hope and an explanation of life. This can be a very controversial topic and it is up to the viewer to decide.

I think the second video refuted the first video’a points very well. One line that stood out was “you can’t have Christ without his Church, and you can’t have a king without his kingdom”. He meant that you can’t just have one and not the other. They’re a package deal. And that was the big argument in the first video and I thought it was refuted well in the second video

I can’t remember who said it but both of the videos have great points and not so great points but Father Claude said it best by saying that religion and God just go together and he is 100% right about that. In the first video he is absolutely correct that a lot of the times Christians act “fake” by sining and sining then sining some more and that we can make it up on Sundays by going to church

I really liked both of the videos. The first one talks a lot about Jesus himself being the core of our faith, not just religion and the church. He had lots of good points. I feel that truly all you need is Jesus and that some of the aspects of religion can cause problems, such as wars, and I sort of feel like it puts a label on you based on what religion you are, when you are all God’s children and should be treated the same. Don’t get me wrong I am a Catholic and I love the Church and everything, but I think religion itself could use some work. I really liked the second video also. The priest definitely rebutted the first video well. And it’s true that Jesus created the Church and wanted it to grow. I don’t know exactly how I stand though. This will be a good discussion in class i think.

Everyone knows that we commit evil and sin, but we are the only ones who can try to stop it also. We should try to improve ourselves first and then try to change others. We can use a perfect example of Jesus Christ as our leader and he is our perfect model. We should try to be like him. We should think about others not only about ourselves! God is always right. I believe that the religion is one of the ways to become a better person. Those two videos had a lot of points that will help us become a better person.

Both videos make great points but the one that stood out to me was the priests because of how he fights off the boys points with vaild arguments. Both said that the church should be for the poor and sick and that is correct but the boy said that some go to church to look good while the priest said that all go to complete the mission Jesus left for us.

Yah, i know what you mean when you say that the video was made like it was a response to the other video. But in those videos I think that they were both right in a sense because people do go to church to complete gods mission but many people go just to “look good” or because they have to. But i think that church being for just the sick and poor is wrong. I think you shoul always have a good relationship with god, not just when you are in trouble.

Before I begin, you must watch the first video with an open mind and not be bias because I’m pretty sure the majority of us are catholic, and when you have someone telling you that they don’t like religion and you believe in the most big and predominant one it may hit you in the wrong way, so you should make sure to look at this guys perspective. Now, I really think that both of the videos made some very logical and convincing points. To be honest, the first video really got to me. Organized religion in my opinion, is not the answer to what jesus really wanted. The church has made many regulations that I personally don’t think they have the right to. The vatican still to this day hides documents from us, even some parts of the bible. I believe they have no right to do that, I believe that any other devout christian has as much right to see it just as anyone else and most of all, I think I should rely on Jesus for answers rather than the catholic religion. We went over in class that God is the only knower of what is good and evil, and rather listening to fellow human beings I would rather listen to him. But in the bigger picture, we are to love one another no matter what religion we are and not judge other people, regardless of race/religion/opinions.

I agree with with what Bekthe was saying when he said that alot of people arent really good christians, and that we act like we are great christians at 10 am on sunday but at 1 pm the same day we are act like complete sinners. We have to get out of that. Its something ive personally been working on to make myself a better christian.

I think that while the first video addressed many points, he only looked at a small part of Christianity. Like we talked about in class, our faith is like a 3 legged stool and we need all 3 legs for it to be solid. The first video only addressed one leg, so if we tried to go by Jesus alone we would fall. In the same way if we try to go with just the church or just the written word of God we will again fall. Each individual piece is not enough. Christ built his church on Peter for a specific reason. He gave us a mission and that was to spread the good news and the word of God. Like we talked about in class the other day, we are all prophets of God and are here to spread the good news of Christ. Jesus is the foundation of Christianity. Everything that has to do with the church or the written word points to him in some way shape or form. So in conclusion we need to not look at just Christ alone, but in him and in everything he has left us and everything he has created for us by his passion, death, and resurrection.

I definitely feel that the first video represents my thoughts on Christianity – or, in particular, Catholicism. Allow me to explain – I feel that the following could have been said in the first video.
If you notice, Catholicism’s rules and whatnot are significantly more strict than, say, Protestant belief, and there’s an important reason as to why. It’s hard to ignore all the wars (crusades) that the Catholic Church had begun, and more significantly, how it seemed almost like an empire itself – an empire that did not conquer in the way countries do. In order for people to believe such a religion, they had to be very strict in their teachings of what is right and wrong, and, in particular, how they MUST listen to the Church. The Catholic Church back in those days was a man-made empire under the guise of a divine structure.
I could definitely be wrong in a few points, so please feel free to point out any flaws I may have made.

I think that Jefferson had some good points on the first video but he was missing the big picture. He is forgetting that Jesus was why the church was formed, and the Church, Jesus’ Body, promotes religion. Yes religion isn’t flawless, but it is what the Church teaches. And the Church welcomes all of God’s children.

I believe that the first video had some valid points about how people act religious but really aren’t it’s basically like they are going through the motions just because they are being forced to. However he took it too far to say that there is no place for religion, think about it if we didn’t have our religion, our faith, how would we know about Jesus in the first place.

I am Alec. I believe the priest made the better point. We are told by Jesus to teach other people of the Good News. When Jesus died i believe religion did just begin. I think religion gives the world an oppurtunity to help one another when we are struggling.

The first video does make some sense based off that people call themselves Catholics, but they go off and do sin, but think if they go to church on Sunday that everything is all better. You must actually live in the way of the Catholic to be fulfilled in Christ. Now I do disagree on the first video based that Jesus did not like religion because we believe in God through religion our faith comes from our Religion. God even told his prophets to build churches and to Baptize the people which is a sign of a religion or faith so the second video I agree with.

i agree with the first one the most not because of his bars and rhymes but because of the very true points and examples he said which made 110% sense because i do see people going through those same deli-ma.

I agrre with parts of both videos. In the first video i agree with how if we go to church doesnt mean were all good and for a day. In the second video i agree with how faith is good and we need it to be with god.

I agree more with the second link. I believe religion is just as important as Jesus. I accept that the sinful acts of high church officials or people of authority were not the fault of religion, but the fault of the people who act those sins out.

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About Me

I desire to echo Christ by being faithful to Him and all His teaching communicated and deposited in the Catholic Church. God has graced me with the privilege of being a theology instructor on the seminary and high-school levels. Faith should always seek more understanding!